New music review: Walkin' Proud, The Beatdown (Stomp Records)

Like a slightly more polite version of the Aggrolites, Montreal’s The Beatdown mix ska and rocksteady rhythms with more power pop than one might expect, tossing in an occasional pinch of soul. Their sophomore disc isn’t quite dirty reggae – rumpled reggae might be a bit more like it – but it’s pleasingly filled with simple, catchy three-chord tunes that neither overreach nor allow your feet to rest. Hometown-pride anthem Montreal is an obvious attention-getter here, but the trio – with expert help from guests like The Fabulous Lolo’s Mike G on drums and keyboard player Larry Love – really shines when it incorporates more exotic touches, like Love’s percolating organ on the title track, the surf-and-spy twang of The Other Side and the inspired dub side trips in Reggae Dance.

Podworthy: Walkin’ Proud

Rating: *** and ½

Walkin’ Proud will be available Aug. 28.

(The Beatdown perform Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Club Soda as part of the Montreal Ska Festival. The Planet Smashers, the Johnstones, illScarlett, Vinny Savage & the Wild Side and DJ Agent Jay are also on the bill. Tickets cost $20. Phone 514-286-1010 or go to clubsoda.ca)

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